Independent of Gardiner, ME Bunni, maybe because the government wants to know the business they're sending tax dollars to is fiscally solvent. A 15k standing balance isn't unreasonable for a company or non-profit providing these services.report abuse

mayflower of st. francis, ME What a blessing to the elderly to be able to spend their last days, in their own home..That is not asking for much. It costs much less than in an institution of any sort. Most elderly have worked many years, and supported themselves , that's why they are so unhappy, being so dependent on others..They deserve help to live at home, until all else fails..It doesn't take much to make them happy. We should all try to help such a one. Soon it will/may be us...report abuse

Bunni of Brunswick, ME The elderly would much prefer being in their own homews to being in any facility. But, in Maine and probably in other states home care agencies have to have a standing balance in their checking accounts of over $15,000.00 just to get a Medicare number for the agency. The NPI(National Provider Information) number is free, but when one goes to apply for a Medicare number, so as to be reimbursed by Medicare or other insurances, one has to have that amount of money at all times in their account. Something seems wrong with this picture. This goes for private agencies as well as national chains. Why should this have to be a point in obtaining a number?report abuse